Notes form week three

FOCUS ON SUSSECCFUL DRESSAGE  - July 2011 Copyright J.A. Garrett   
 
 
OVERVIEW OF SESSION THREE
Our last session! We reviewed last weeks session and shared the work we had done (or not done) with our horses during the last week
The two curves
1) Still basing our subjects around the scales of training we looked into the term ’off the inside leg into the outside rein’ – what did this mean and what does it feel like? A common tendency is to ride mainly with our inside rein for turning/steering but in fact if we want to laterally supple the horse we must learn to maintain a contact with the outside rein – a sneaky glance down at our hand will often show the outside arm/elbow has gone forward and our inside hand has drawn back! I real mind over matter scenario to correct especially on the horses stiffer side.
This outside rein with a ‘softly’ back outside leg creates an outside wall in which to bend the horse into with our inside leg with a soft inside rein. Easy to talk about – but give it try next time you school.
To be able to laterally curve the horse means you not only supple the horse but enable it to step further underneath the body weight -  which will in turn start to shift some weight from the forehand to the hind legs.
 
2) The other curve I talk about it the ‘top line’ curve if produced correctly the horse’s balance moves more to the hindquarters as it increases the bend in the joints of the hind legs. The horse can then create power up through the lion, back wither, with a long unrestricted neck to a soft contact. Energy created from behind coming up over the back and into our hand – sounds great ah! To me this is the real version of “on the bit” rather than a false fixed head carriage and flat tight lion.
 
The rider
There are diagrams and explanations in many books as to what the ‘correct position’ should be – my concern is that we have to appreciate the different body shape, movement and posture characteristics of each individual person when trying to apply it.
Here are some awareness things to focus on – when out riding or when letting your horse walk on a long rein during schooling. It is important to start with your seat bones can you feel them can you feel both just as much? Be aware that they are as wide apart as possible, equally each side of the horse spine, also that they are level – not one further forward than the other.
Always start your position corrections from this point – then it is easier to correct upper body head and limbs. We did an exercise – sitting on the edge of a chair feel seat bones tall but not stiff upper body posture, lift arms,  bend elbows out to the side and have fingers under your chin gently draw elbows back until you feel where your shoulder  blades meet keep that place and gently allow your arms to come down to your sides. – then bend the elbows and carry the hands as if you where riding. This will open you up across the chest flatten your shoulder blades and allow the arm to hang natural by your sides.
We talked about contact – visualize this as going up your arm and into your body – not stopping at the hand – the hand is a communication centre not the place the contact stops – soft arm soft hands – WOW – GREAT!! Our horse will love this.
 
‘Feel’ the better balanced the rider is the deeper the seat the more we can FEEL – each step each movement of the back, through the reins always work to develop your feel. Ask yourself what did I feel was it a good, indifferent, or poor feel? If you can feel it you can work to get the feel you want – visualizing the feel you want will help to create it.
 
Creating ‘joyful submission’ use the praise chain always ‘flag up’ to your horse that they have your approval for what they just did but take care that you are not training your horse to try a little and then give up! For example if we say ‘Good Boy’ and he stops what you complemented him on he is not trying to do it more or for a longer period – work out a way of acknowledging good work but you want more of it!! This gives you more respect and the horse will try more and for longer.
 
Transitions I want to go over these in a little more detail as we have talked about he value of transitions but not clearly find what they are. Halt walk, trot canter, trot walk, halt – are called PROGRESSIVE transitions
Halt to trot. Halt to canter walk to canter (upward and canter walk, canter halt trot halt etc (downward)  are called DIRECT transitions . note when you want to introduce these start with direct upward transitions)
Collected, working medium and extended called transitions WITHIN THE PACE
Transitions are great for getting a better ‘leg response’ and to get the horse stepping underneath and pushing from behind..
 
Thank you for your feedback at the end of this session I feel encouraged to do more but maybe next winter and/or a Focus on Jumping Series just let me know what you would like. Keep your eye on my website I will post more FREE TIPS as soon as I have a moment to spare.
 
Draw for free lesson Erena Powell – looking forward to our session together